Travel Nurse Certifications Guide (2026)
BLS, ACLS, PALS, specialty board certs, CEUs — the alphabet soup of nursing credentials decides which contracts you can take. Here's what each one is, who needs it, how long it lasts, and how to keep them all current.
Updated June 2026 · Confirm current details with the certifying body
Which certifications do travel nurses need?
At a minimum, nearly every travel contract requires BLS, and most acute-care specialties also require ACLS. Beyond those, the certifications you need depend on your specialty — pediatrics leans on PALS, labor & delivery on NRP, the ER on TNCC, and so on. Specialty board certifications like CCRN or CNOR aren't always required, but they strengthen your applications and can raise your pay.
| Certification | What it is | Who needs it | Typically valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLS (Basic Life Support) | CPR and basic emergency care — required for essentially every nursing role. | All nurses | 2 years |
| ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) | Advanced algorithms for cardiac emergencies. | ICU, ER, tele, PCU, OR, L&D | 2 years |
| PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) | Pediatric emergency response. | ER, PICU, peds, some L&D | 2 years |
| NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) | Newborn resuscitation at delivery. | L&D, NICU, nursery | 2 years |
| TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) | Trauma assessment and intervention. | ER / trauma | 4 years |
| CCRN (Critical Care) | Specialty certification in critical care nursing. | ICU (optional, valued) | 3 years |
| CNOR (Perioperative) | Specialty certification for OR nurses. | OR / surgical (optional, valued) | 5 years |
See exactly what each specialty requires on our specialty pages, like ICU, ER, and L&D.
BLS & ACLS: the essentials
BLS (Basic Life Support) covers CPR, AED use, and choking response — it's the baseline credential every nurse keeps current. ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) builds on it with the algorithms for cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and stroke that acute-care units rely on. Both are most commonly issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) and are typically valid for 2 years. Many facilities specifically require the AHA version, so check before enrolling elsewhere.
How to get and renew your certifications
- Initial certification usually means an in-person or blended (online + hands-on skills) course through an AHA training center or equivalent.
- Renewals are typically shorter and due every 2 years for AHA cards — don't let them lapse mid-contract.
- Cost varies by provider and region, often roughly $50–$300 depending on the course; some agencies reimburse.
- Keep your cards accessible — you'll need them at every assignment's orientation.
Continuing education (CEUs)
Nurses must complete continuing education units (CEUs) to renew their license, and the number and type vary by state board. Travel nurses juggle multiple state licenses, so tracking CEU requirements and deadlines for each is essential. Many specialty certifications (CCRN, CNOR) also require CEUs to recertify. Reputable free and low-cost CEU courses are widely available online — just confirm the provider is accepted by your state board.
Never let a certification lapse
A single expired card — BLS, ACLS, or a specialty cert — can pull you off a contract or cost you a submission. The ScrubbedIn Credentials Vault stores every license and certification in one place and sends expiration alerts weeks ahead, so nothing sneaks up on you mid-assignment.
Never let a cert lapse mid-contract
Store every license and certification — with expiration alerts — in the free ScrubbedIn Credentials Vault.
Explore the Tools Join ScrubbedIn FreeTravel nurse certifications FAQ
What certifications do travel nurses need?
Nearly all contracts require BLS, and most acute-care specialties also require ACLS. Specialty certs depend on the unit — PALS for peds, NRP for L&D/NICU, TNCC for the ER — and board certs like CCRN or CNOR are valued but often optional.
How long are BLS and ACLS valid?
American Heart Association BLS and ACLS certifications are typically valid for 2 years. Renew before they expire to avoid being pulled off a contract.
How much do nursing certifications cost?
It varies by provider and region — often roughly $50–$300 per course. Some agencies reimburse certification costs, so ask your recruiter.
Do travel nurses need CEUs?
Yes. Continuing education is required to renew your nursing license, and requirements vary by state. Travelers with multiple state licenses should track each state's CEU rules and deadlines.
Which version of ACLS do hospitals accept?
Most facilities require the American Heart Association (AHA) version of BLS and ACLS. Confirm the accepted provider before enrolling in a course.
Explore more
This guide is general educational information for travel nurses. Certification requirements, validity periods, and costs vary by issuing body, employer, and state — always confirm current details with the certifying organization (e.g., the American Heart Association) and your agency.